Colts' Nate Hairston among top pass-rushing CBs

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Nate Hairston surprised many when he earned a starting spot early on in his rookie career but he proved it was no fluke as the campaign continued.

Not only was Hairston solid in coverage from the slot, he was also the most productive cornerback when it came to rushing the passer in 2017, per Pro Football Focus.

18 cornerbacks rushed the passer at least 19 times in 2017. Indianapolis Colts cornerback Nate Hairston and Chargers’ Desmond King – both rookies – recorded pass-rush productivity ratings above 20.0 on limited pass-rush snaps. Hairston totaled six pressures (three hurries, one hit and two sacks) on 20 pass-rush snaps, while King totaled seven (two hurries, two hits and three sacks) on 25 pass-rush snap.

Hairston won the slot cornerback job outright from Darryl Morris early in training camp and never looked back. He didn’t allow a touchdown until the second have of the season and looks to be a major part of the secondary moving forward.

Switching to a new defense that will rely on the pass rush, the Colts should be encouraged that Hairston has the ability to apply pressure from the slot if need be.

The Colts secondary has some question marks entering the 2018 season but with a new defense and a guy like Hairston with a full year of experience under his belt, there should be some expectation for development in Year 2.

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